AUCKLAND, New Zealand – A high school in Auckland is reeling after a brutal attack on one of its students by a group of teenagers from Māngere College. The incident, which occurred at the Māngere Town Centre, has left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries and has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Marcellin College community.
“We condemn this senseless and cowardly act of violence, and we will not tolerate any form of bullying or harassment in our school community,” said Marcellin College Board of Trustees chair Bernadette Tovio. She also confirmed that the Ministry of Education, local authorities, and the police have been informed about the incident and are working together to take appropriate action.
The victim, a student at Marcellin College, was targeted as he got off the bus and chased to the car park behind McDonald’s by a group of 10 to 15 teenagers from Māngere College. The assault, which left the victim with serious injuries, has prompted heightened security measures at the school to ensure the safety of students and staff.
In response to the incident, Marcellin College is providing counseling and support services to students and staff who may have been affected. The school is striving to uphold its culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing that the incident will not undermine their values or achievements.
Authorities have also urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as the police continue their investigation. The victim’s mother expressed gratitude to the individuals who intervened and helped her son after the attack, emphasizing the need for swift resolution and justice in the matter.
As the investigation unfolds, police are reviewing CCTV footage and working with both schools involved to identify those responsible for the assault. Marcellin students have been advised to find alternative routes home until a resolution is reached to ensure their safety.
The harrowing incident has brought to light the need for continued efforts to combat bullying and violence in schools, as the community rallies behind the victim and his family in hopes of a full recovery and justice for the perpetrators.